In another instance, a department airplane was used to fly to Connecticut, racking up a $35,000 bill for a flight that was likely slower than taking a commercial flight.

The audit was prompted by a Times report about allegations officials were abusing aircraft privileges to delay emergency calls and make a case for more overtime pay.

The audit didn't find evidence to support those claims or evidence time sheets were manipulated, leading department spokesman Steve Whitmore to tell the newspaper that the audit was an "exoneration" because the most serious allegations were unsubstantiated.